Protonix is used for treating erosive esophagitis or conditions where stomach acids continuously rush back to the esophagus damaging it to a great degree.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may Protonix with or without a meal. You need to make sure that you do not crush or chew the tablet and swallow it as a whole.

Please drink a full glass of water with Protonix.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Protonix at room temperature (read medicine label if unsure). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Overdose

The consequences of a Protonix overdose has not been established with certainty. Contact the nearest emergency poison control center immediately if you notice any adverse effects.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Protonix if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like liver problems.

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.

Protonix may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Protonix. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Protonix. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Protonix before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.

The safety and effectiveness of Protonix in children has not been established with certainty and therefore it is advisable to not use Protonix for children.

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Protonix to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Protonix as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.

You should not take Protonix along with certain medicines like Ampicillin (Omnipen), Iron, Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Warfarin (Coumadin) as the side effects of Protonix may increase.